A keystone species (has a disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its abundance), ecosystem engineers, and the second largest rodent. This wetland, once a free flowing stream, was created sometime in late 2013 or very early 2014 through the creation of 2 dams (now five are present). Osage park has a family of lake dwelling beavers, most likely descendants of the beavers that engineered this wetland!

Largest of the North American herons with long legs, a sinuous neck, and thick, dagger-like bill. Hunting Great Blue Herons wade slowly or stand statue-like, stalking fish and other prey in shallow water and quickly spear their prey with their bill. Great blue herons generally swallow their prey whole and have been known to choke on prey that is too large.

One of the most abundant birds across North America, and one of the most boldly colored, the Red-winged Blackbird is a familiar sight atop cattails. The Red-winged Blackbird is a highly polygynous species, meaning males have many female mates, up to 15 in some cases. Males are highly territorial and spend large amounts of time protecting their territories during breeding season.

The beaver pond / wetland provides habitat for many critters that need water, and the muskrat is one of these critters. Muskrats are found in this wetland. They build dome-shaped lodges smaller than the beaver or construct burrows. They are primarily herbivores but will also eat some animal food, such as crawfish, clams and frogs.